Cremophor RH Research Articles

A Non-Lipolysis Nanoemulsion Improved Oral Bioavailability by Reducing the First-Pass Metabolism of Raloxifene, and Related Absorption Mechanisms Being Studied.

ObjectiveA non-lipolysis nanoemulsion (NNE) was designed to reduce the first-pass metabolism of raloxifene (RAL) by intestinal UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) for increasing the oral absorption of RAL, coupled with in vitro and in vivo studies.MethodsIn vitro stability of NNE was evaluated by lipolysis and the UGT metabolism system. The oral bioavailability of NNE was studied in rats and pigs. Finally, the absorption mechanisms of NNE were investigated by in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) in rats, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells model, and lymphatic blocking model.ResultsThe pre-NNE consisted of isopropyl palmitate, linoleic acid, Cremophor RH40, and ethanol in a weight ratio of 3.33:1.67:3:2. Compared to lipolysis nanoemulsion of RAL (RAL-LNE), the RAL-NNE was more stable in in vitro gastrointestinal buffers, lipolysis, and UGT metabolism system (p < 0.05). The oral bioavailability was significantly improved by the NNE (203.30%) and the LNE (205.89%) relative to the suspension group in rats. However, 541.28% relative bioavailability was achieved in pigs after oral NNE intake compared to the suspension and had two-fold greater bioavailability than the LNE (p < 0.05). The RAL-NNE was mainly absorbed in the jejunum and had high permeability at the intestine of rats. The results of both SPIP and MDCK cell models demonstrated that the RAL-NNE was absorbed via endocytosis mediated by caveolin and clathrin. The other absorption route, the lymphatic transport (cycloheximide as blocking agent), was significantly improved by the NNE compared with the LNE (p < 0.05).ConclusionA NNE was successfully developed to reduce the first-pass metabolism of RAL in the intestine and enhance its lymphatic transport, thereby improving the oral bioavailability. Altogether, NNE is a promising carrier for the oral delivery of drugs with significant first-pass metabolism.

Topical nanostructured lipid carrier gel of quercetin and resveratrol: Formulation, optimization, in vitro and ex vivo study for the treatment of skin cancer.

The objective of this investigation was to develop dual drug-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) gel of quercetin and resveratrol to enhance their disposition in dermal and epidermal layers. The optimization of the lipidic phase, i.e., liquid lipid and solid lipid was done on the basis of the solubility of quercetin & resveratrol in lipids in the preformulation stage. NLC formulation was optimized by central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The NLC formulation contained lipid binary mixture (1.0% w/w) and Cremophor RH40 (5% w/v) as a surfactant and had a particle size of 191nm±5.20, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.33±0.01, zeta potential (ZP) of -10.00mV±0.30 and entrapment efficiency (EE) of 92.85±0.25% (quercetin), 89.05±0.18% (resveratrol) respectively. The flux and permeability coefficient of quercetin and resveratrol from NLC gel were found to be 14.09µg/cm2/h, 3.70µg/cm2/h and 7.21×10-2cm/h, 4.69×10-2cm/h respectively. Dermatokinetic studies revealed that there was a significant increase in the CSkin max and AUC0-8h in skin treated with NLC gel as compared to skin treated with conventional gel, which was prepared using carbopol 934 (1.5% w/w). Further, all claims of dermatokinetic studies were proved by confocal microscopic (CLMS) studies, which revealed that the disposition of combinatorial NLC gel was higher (~3 folds) as compared to the conventional gel. Furthermore, skin treated with NLC gel and untreated skin were analysed by FTIR and DSC spectra to understand the permeation dynamics of NLC gel. The cytotoxic effect of combinatorial NLC gel and the conventional gel assessed in human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cell line by MTT assay, revealed that IC50 of NLC gel and the conventional gel was 86.50µM and 123.64µM respectively. Thus, these results disclosed that NLC gel could be used as a potential carrier for the delivery of quercetin & resveratrol into deeper layers of the skin and can serve as a promising formulation for treatment of skin cancer.

Disruption of Lipid Bilayers of Stratum Corneum by Transdermal Delivery of Glipizide in Microemulsion and Binary Co-solvent Systems

The study was designed to develop and characterize structured vehicles for effective delivery of glipizide (GPZ) through excised stratum corneum (SC). Several mixed binary systems of ethanol or propylene glycol (PG) were prepared by homogeneous mixing with double distilled water. Different microemulsions were prepared by titration method and their physicochemical properties determined. Transdermal permeation of GPZ was studied in-vitro using modified Franz diffusion cells. Apart from the slight difference in their pH values, there was no significant difference in the physicochemical properties of the drug-loaded coconut oil-based microemulsions and their blank counterparts. Transdermal flux was highest in binary mixtures of 9:1 (v/v) aqueous ethanol (Jss 30.25 ± 5.75 μg/cm2h) and PG (Jss 6.34 ± 1.29 μg/cm2h) compared to their lower strengths. Transdermal GPZ flux, Jss, μg/cm2h was higher in o/w (121.2 ± 9.98) compared to w/o (3.89 ± 0.19) microemulsions with enhanced permeation of ≥ 23 fold using patch size of 10.45 cm2. Biophysical analysis of untreated and treated SC showed that GPZ permeation could depend on the extent of disruption of lipid and protein bilayers of SC by the vehicles. Cremophor RH 40/ethanol/coconut oil-based o/w microemulsion and 9:1 v/v mixed binary systems of ethanol or PG are promising vehicles for delivery of GPZ transdermally.&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 19(1): 29-35, 2020 (June)

Fabrication of Transgelosomes for Enhancing the Ocular Delivery of Acetazolamide: Statistical Optimization, In Vitro Characterization, and In Vivo Study.

Acetazolamide (ACZ) is a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that is used for the treatment of glaucoma. Its oral administration causes various undesirable side effects. This study aimed to formulate transgelosomes (TGS) for enhancing the ocular delivery of ACZ. ACZ-loaded transfersomes were formulated by the ethanol injection method, using phosphatidylcholine (PC) and different edge activators, including Tween 80, Span 60, and Cremophor RH 40. The effects of the ratio of lipid to surfactant and type of surfactant on % drug released after 8 h (Q8h) and entrapment efficiency (EE%) were investigated by using Design-Expert software. The optimized formula was formulated as TGS, using poloxamers as gelling agents. In vitro and in vivo characterization of ACZ-loaded TGS was performed. According to optimization study, F8 had the highest desirability value and was chosen as the optimized formula for preparing TGS. F8 appeared as spherical elastic nanovesicles with Q8h of 93.01 ± 3.76% and EE% of 84.44 ± 2.82. Compared to a free drug, TGS exhibited more prolonged drug release of 71.28 ± 0.46% after 8 h, higher ex vivo permeation of 66.82 ± 1.11% after 8 h and a significant lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) for 24 h. Therefore, TGS provided a promising technique for improving the corneal delivery of ACZ.

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems: About the fate of hydrophobic ion pairs on a phospholipid bilayer

PurposeTo investigate the fate of hydrophobic ion pairs (HIPs) and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) containing HIPs on a phospholipid bilayer. MethodsHIPs of fluorescein (FL) were formed using the lipophilic cationic counter ion octadecylamine (OCT). HIPs were incorporated into SEDDS comprising 30% Capryol 90, 40% Cremophor RH, 20% Maisine 35-1 and 10% propylene glycol and evaluated regarding log DSEDDS/release medium and dissociation of these complexes at various pH values over time. Furthermore, in vitro permeation studies were carried out in order to evaluate the fate of HIPs and SEDDS containing HIPs on a phospholipid bilayer. ResultsHIPs of FL with OCT showed the highest precipitation efficiency at a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1. HIPs (1% v/v) were incorporated into SEDDS pre-concentrate. Log DSEDDS/release medium of incorporated complexes was between 2.5 and 3.5. HIPs dissociated in aqueous media up to 20% at pH 6–7.4 within 4 h. In vitro permeation studies revealed 2.7-fold improved permeation of FL after complex formation and incorporation in SEDDS. Results suggest that SEDDS fuse with the phospholipid bilayer facilitating the permeation of incorporated HIPs. ConclusionSEDDS enhance the stability of incorporated HIPs and improve their permeation across phospholipid bilayers.

Hydrophobic ion pairing of a GLP-1 analogue for incorporating into lipid nanocarriers designed for oral delivery

The lipophilic character of peptides can be tremendously improved by hydrophobic ion pairing (HIP) with counterions to be efficiently incorporated into lipid-based nanocarriers (NCs). Herein, HIPs of exenatide with the cationic surfactant tetraheptylammonium bromide (THA) and the anionic surfactant sodium docusate (DOC) were formed to increase its lipophilicity. These HIPs were incorporated into lipid based NCs comprising 41% Capmul MCM, 15% Captex 355, 40% Cremophor RH and 4% propylene glycol. Exenatide-THA NCs showed a log Dlipophilic phase (LPh)/release medium (RM) of 2.29 and 1.92, whereas the log DLPh/RM of exenatide-DOC was 1.2 and −0.9 in simulated intestinal fluid and Hanks’ balanced salts buffer (HBSS), respectively. No significant hemolytic activity was induced at a concentration of 0.25% (m/v) of both blank and loaded NCs. Exenatide-THA NCs and exenatide-DOC NCs showed a 10-fold and 3-fold enhancement in intestinal apparent membrane permeability compared to free exenatide, respectively. Furthermore, orally administered exenatide-THA and exenatide-DOC NCs in healthy rats resulted in a relative bioavailability of 27.96 ± 5.24% and 16.29 ± 6.63%, respectively, confirming the comparatively higher potential of the cationic surfactant over the anionic surfactant. Findings of this work highlight the potential of the type of counterion used for HIP as key to successful design of lipid-based NCs for oral exenatide delivery.

Development of innovative artificial neural networks for simultaneous determination of lapatinib and foretinib in human urine by micellar enhanced synchronous spectrofluorimetry.

A highly selective and simple micellar synchronous spectrofluorimetric method was described for simultaneous analysis of two tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs); namely lapatinib (LPB) and foretinib (FTB) in human urine. The method depended on measuring synchronous fluorescence of the two drugs in micellar media composed of cremophor RH 40 (Cr RH 40) surfactant using feed-forward and cascade-forward neural networks preceded by genetic algorithm for data manipulation. Different experimental conditions that affect fluorescence of the cited drugs are optimized including pH, diluting solvent, surfactant's type and concentration. A training set of nine mixtures containing different concentrations of both drugs was prepared for models' construction. Extra validation set composed of other nine mixtures was prepared to validate prediction performance for the constructed models. Root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) was used as a tool to compare prediction power of each model. The method was extended for quantification of LPB and FTB in spiked human urine.

Development and Evaluation of Manidipine Loaded SelfNanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System by Box-Behnken Design

The current study aims to formulate an anti-hypertensive drug manidipine self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) employing different novel polymers to enhance solubility and drug release manidipine. The optimal concentration of excipients chosen based on solubility study further confirmed by self-emulsification region of pseudo ternary phase diagram. Manidipine SNEDDS optimized employing box-behnken design (BBD) through the study of factors - the amount of capryol 90(A), cremophor RH40 (B) and triacetin (C) and responses -droplet size (Y1), zeta potential (Y2), and cumulative percentage of drug release after 60 minutes (Y3). All formulations were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, drug content, and in-vitro drug release. The optimized formulation was characterized for FTIR, SEM, and stability studies. The study indicates that manidipine optimized formulation MF11 comprising of capryol 90 (40.0%), cremophor RH40 (10.0%) and triacetin (30.0%) exhibited minimum droplet size (76.5 ± 2.87), best zeta potential (-24.7 ± 1.31mV) and entrapment efficiency (98.23 ± 1.74%) content uniformity (99.12 ± 1.28%) maximum drug release (98.79 ± 1.68%). The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies of MF11 indicated no significant interaction amid the drug and formulation excipients. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data revealed that particle size is in the nanometer range with a zeta potential value &gt;5 mV indicating higher absorption and stability. Accelerated stability studies indicated the formulation to be stable for 3 months. Hence the results revealed that application of SNEDDS formulation technique for manidipine increased solubility and drug release.

Silymarin Spray-Dried Proliposomes: Preparation, Characterization and Cytotoxic Evaluation

Background: Most liposomes problems are due to stability and consistency. Proliposomes is one of the solutions to overcome the disadvantage of liposomes. They are available in dry powder form, it is easy to distribute, transfer, measure and store. Objective: The aim of the present study was to find a novel method of preparing Silymarin proliposomes and study the effect of cholesterol concentrations and surfactant types on the physicochemical properties of silymarin proliposomes and its in-vitro release. Methods: Silymarin proliposomes were prepared by combining two simple methods ethanol injection method for liposomes preparation followed by the spray drying method to get a dry powder. The physicochemical properties including particle size, TEM, SEM, FTIR, encapsulation efficiency and dissolution studies were studied. Results: The particle size of silymarin liposomes were below 552.36 ± 17.63 nm but after reconstitution of silymarin proliposomes, the particle size was in the micro range due to the influence of the spray drying process. Cholesterol concentration was ranged from 50 to 150 mg per formula. Increasing Cholesterol concentration caused a significant increase in liposomes particle size and reduction in encapsulation efficiency. Three non-ionic surfactants were used to prepare silymarin proliposomes Tween 80, Cremophor RH 40 and Poloxamer 407. Formula F1 prepared with Phosal® 53 MCT (300 mg), Tween 80 (50 mg), cholesterol (50 mg) and Silymarin (140 mg) showed the smallest particle size (2066 ± 164.87 nm) upon reconstitution in water, highest encapsulation efficiency (89.51 ± 0.43%), and fastest in vitro release compared to other formulas. Cytotoxicity of Silymarin, formula F1 and formula F1/blank was assessed using an MTT assay on MCF-7, HepG2 and HBF-4 cells. The cytotoxic effect of silymarin was enhanced by loading it on proliposomes. Conclusion: Silymarin was successfully formulated into proliposomes combining ethanol injection and spray drying methods. The cytotoxicity of silymarin was improved when loaded on proliposomes owing to the formula.

Solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system filled in enteric coated hard gelatin capsules for enhancing solubility and stability of omeprazole hydrochloride

Omeprazole has poor water solubility, low stability in acidic solutions, and is subject to first pass metabolism resulting in low bioavailability. The objective was to enhance the dissolution and stability by preparing a solid-self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) and filling it in enteric coated HGCs. Drug solubility in many oils, surfactants, and cosurfactants was studied. Different SNEDDS were prepared and ternary phase diagrams were constructed. The optimum SNEDDS was evaluated. It was converted into solid by adsorption onto Neusilin® US2, and evaluated. Emulsions formed using Capryol 90, Cremophor RH 40, and ethanol formed spontaneously and were clear. Droplet size was 19.11 ± 3.11 nm, PDI was 0.18 ± 0.05, and zeta potential was –3.9 ± 1.56 mV. Non-medicated SNEDDS was thermodynamically stable. Cloud point was 88 ± 2 °C. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of solid-SNEDDS were 98.56 ± 0.44 and 1.29 ± 0.01%, respectively. Flow properties were much enhanced. Crystalline drug was adsorbed/precipitated onto Neusilin® US2 in amorphous form. Dissolution rate was enhanced as compared to commercial products and unprocessed drug. The drug was unstable at the accelerated stability conditions. Accordingly, the traditional stability study at 25 °C should be conducted. In conclusion, the solid-SNEDDS filled in enteric coated HGCs enhanced the dissolution rate and stability in acidic pH.

Utilization of novel self-nanoemulsifying formulations (SNEFs) loaded paclitaxel for the treatment prosperity of bladder cancer

BackgroundLimited drug penetration into solid tumors has been one of the potential causes of resistance to chemotherapy for the treatment of bladder cancer. The aim of the studies was to develop non-toxic nanoemulsion carriers of paclitaxel and to evaluate their ability to serve as a tool increasing and/or controlling the penetration of paclitaxel through the bladder tissue. MethodsVarious oil-in-water non-toxic self-nanoemulsifying formulations (SNEFs) were developed using Cremercoor MCT, Kollisolv MCT, Miglyol 812, 810, Capmul MCM, Imwitor 988, Imwitor 742 with TO106V, Tween 85, HCO30, Kolliphor EL and Cremophor RH40 at size ranges from approximately 19 to 110 nm that are capable of enhancing the solubility and stability of paclitaxel. Visual assessment was employed and droplet size measurement was taken into initial consideration for optimized SNEFs. Paclitaxel was added with the oil/surfactant mixture before dispersing the mixture in water to form SNEF. The penetration study of the optimal SNEFs formulation was compared with the raw paclitaxel dispersion using transwell apparatus. ResultsInitial characterisation and solubility studies showed that mixed glycerides of Kollisolv MCT/Imwitor 742 with water-soluble surfactant (high HLB) containing formulations generated highly efficient SNEFs as they are stable and produced lower nanodroplets with higher drug loading. The results have demonstrated that the SNEFs have good ability to retain its characteristics under conditions similar to that found in the urinary bladder up to 48 h. However, the results also showed that chemosensitivity of cancer cells exposed to paclitaxel was attenuated in the presence of SNEFs. Larger size SNEFs have shown to induce more inhibitory effects on paclitaxel activity. The reduction effects of SNEFs on doxorubicin (a relatively water-soluble drug) efficacy were almost absent, indication a poor loading of such compounds. ConclusionThe reduction of the efficacy of SNEF loaded treatments does not give a strong indication of their ability to penetrate as examined their ability to penetrate through the cultivated multicell layers (MCL) of bladder cancer. However, these results may open the horizon to reflect the use of SNEFs in the introduction of intravenous paclitaxel because of its potential role in reducing the injection site toxicity.

FORMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF TERBINAFINE HCl SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES FOR TOPICAL ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY

Objective: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are at the forefront of the rapidly developing field of nanotechnology with several potential applications in drug delivery and research. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize SLNs formulae of Terbinafine HCl (TFH) for topical drug delivery applications.&#x0D; Methods: SLNs were prepared using the solvent injection technique. Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS) served as the lipid base. Three stabilizers; Tween 80, Cremophor RH40, and Poloxamer 188, were used. The effect of stabilizer type and concentration, as well as the lipid concentration, were studied, factorial design of 32*21was applied. The prepared SLNs were characterized regarding their particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency percent (EE %), and physicochemical stability. The selected formulae were subjected to further investigations such as morphological studies, in vitro release studies, and Infrared (IR) spectroscopy. They were compared with the marketed cream Lamifen® in term of their antifungal activity against Candida albicans.&#x0D; Results: Lipid concentration, together with the type and concentration of stabilizer, appeared to be the main cornerstones which affect the formation of SLNs. Smaller particle size was observed when increasing the stabilizer concentration and decreasing the lipid concentration. Higher EE% was observed when increasing both the stabilizer and the lipid concentrations. Formulae (F6, F12 andF19) were selected as the most suitable SLNs with optimum particle size of 480.2±18.89, 458.6±12.45 and 246.7±10.5 nm, respectively as well as the highest EE% of 87.13±0.19, 93.69±0.7 and 95.06±0.25, respectively. In vitro microbiological screening of their antifungal activity showed significantly larger zones of inhibition of diameters 25.9±0.25, 25±0.35 and 24.67±0.36 mm, respectively in comparison with the marketed Lamifen® cream which showed a zone of 11.2±0.44 mm diameter.&#x0D; Conclusion: Applying SLNs containing TFH as topical antifungal preparations may be considered as a very promising option as they show good physicochemical characterization with high antifungal activity, which delineates them as a promising dosage form for topical antifungal treatment.

The impact of various drug ferrying additives on phase transitions behavior of Calcite, Vaterite and Aragonite

ABSTRACTThe study aimed to explore the influence of eleven excipients (in three groups) on the phase transition of CaCO3. The groups were; Group 1: Ca-TEG (CaCO3- Tetraethylene Glycol), Ca-PVP (Polyvinylpyrollidone), Ca-LUT (Lutrol Micro 127 MP), Ca-HPMC (Hydroxypropylmethyl Cellulose) and Ca-Blank, Group 2: Ca-G44/14 (Gelucire 44/14), Ca-CRH40 (Cremophor RH40), Ca-SHS (Solutol HS15), Ca-LAB (Labrasol) and Group 3: Ca-GE (Garlic extract), Ca-CAS (Casein), Ca-TCT (Transcutol). Group 1 confers the characteristics of only Calcite, while, Group 2, gave the highest mole fraction of Vaterite. Group 3 gave the highest mole fraction of Vaterite followed by Calcite/Aragonite. FESEM of Ca-CRH40 illustrated numerous parallel stacks of nano-hexagonal vaterite columns building the inner structure of bacillus type Vaterite, while that of Ca-TCT suggested the presence of sunflower shaped Vaterite particles and rhombohedral calcite. The % dissolution efficiency was found maximum for Ca-TEG (90.65%) followed by Ca-PVP (86.13%), Ca-HPMC (76.25%), Ca-LUT (52.12%) and CaBlank (22.96%).

Formulation and Characterization of Novel Dry Suspension and Dry Emulsion of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol.

To improve the absorption of poorly water-soluble 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD), novel 20(S)-PPD-loaded redispersible dry suspension and dry emulsion were developed in this study. 20(S)-PPD dry suspension (PPD-DS) was prepared by enabling drug fully dispersed with suspending agent Avicel CL611 and solubilizer Poloxamer 188. 20(S)-PPD dry emulsion (PPD-DE) was prepared by employing oleic acid as oil phase, Cremophor RH-40 as surfactant, and n-butyl alcohol as co-surfactant. Both PPD-DS and PPD-DE were evaluated for their physicochemical characterization after being dispersed in distilled water. The in vivo pharmacokinetics was evaluated by UPLC-MS/MS. The droplet size of PPD-DS and PPD-DE was in the scope of 1446-1653nm and 652.8-784.5nm. The sedimentation volume ratios of PPD-DS and PPD-DE were both at value of 1. The zeta potential of PPD-DS and PPD-DE were from - 53.7 to - 70.4mV and - 27.5 to - 34.5mV, respectively, which indicated stable systems. PPD-DS and PPD-DE both achieved dramatically enhanced aqueous solubility and higher perfusion of 20(S)-PPD in rats' intestine. Although statistically, no oral bioavailability enhancements of 20(S)-PPD were achieved in PPD-DE and PPD-DS, there were some improvements in the pharmacokinetic behaviors. Especially, PPD-DS could be a promising drug delivery carrier for 20(S)-PPD with the advantages of long-term stability, dosing flexibility, and the convenience of administering to infants and to those who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules.

Solid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of Sophoraflavanone G: Prescription optimization and pharmacokinetic evaluation

Sophoraflavanone G (SFG) is promising component in clinical treatment. The purpose of this study was to develop a drug delivery system in order to improve oral bioavailability of SFG. The optimum formulation of Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System with SFG (SFG-SMEDDS) was selected by the solubility test, self-emulsifying grading test and ternary phase diagram test. The optimized formulation of SFG-S-SMEDDS was composed of Ethyl Oleate (38.5%, w/w), Cremophor RH40 (47.5%, w/w), PEG 400 (14.0%, w/w), and drug loading (20 mg/g). Mannitol as a solid absorbent was added to SFG-SMEDDS formulation with the mass adsorption ratio of 2:1 (w/w). The vitro release rate of SFG-S-SMEDDS reached 60% in 10 min and 80% in 30 min. After SD rats were given SFG and SFG-S-SMEDDS by oral administration, it was found that the area under the curve of SFG-S-SMEDDS was significantly larger than that of SFG suspension and the relative bioavailability of SFG in rats was 343.84%. In addition, the SFG-S-SMEDDS did not change greatly within 3 months. Therefore, the results show that SFG-S-SMEDDS can significantly improve the oral bioavailability of SFG so as to lay a foundation of further research on the new dosage form of SFG.

Sex-Dependence in the Effect of Pharmaceutical Excipients: Polyoxyethylated Solubilising Excipients Increase Oral Drug Bioavailability in Male but not Female Rats.

It is known that males and females respond differently to medicines and that differences in drug behaviour are due to inter-individual variability and sex specificity. In this work, we have examined the influence of pharmaceutical excipients on drug bioavailability in males and females. Using a rat model, we report that a portfolio of polyoxyethylated solubilising excipients (polyethylene glycol 2000, Cremophor RH 40, Poloxamer 188 and Tween 80) increase ranitidine bioavailability in males but not in females. The in vivo sex and excipient effects were reflected in vitro in intestinal permeability experiments using an Ussing chamber system. The mechanism of such an effect on drug bioavailability is suggested to be due to the interaction between the excipients and the efflux membrane transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp), whose expression in terms of gene and protein levels were inhibited by the solubilising agents in male but not in female rats. In contrast, the non-polyoxyethylated excipient, Span 20, significantly increased ranitidine bioavailability in both males and females in a non-sex-dependent manner. These findings have significant implications for the use of polyoxyethylated solubilising excipients in drug formulation in light of their sex-specific modulation on the bioavailability of drugs that are P-gp substrates. As such, pharmaceutical research is required to retract from a ‘one size fits all’ approach and to, instead, evaluate the potential impact of the interplay between excipients and sex on drug effect to ensure effective pharmacotherapy.

Enhanced Permeation of Methotrexate via Loading into Ultra-permeable Niosomal Vesicles: Fabrication, Statistical Optimization, Ex Vivo Studies, and In Vivo Skin Deposition and Tolerability.

The aim of this study was to incorporate methotrexate (MTX) into ultra-permeable niosomal vesicles, containing cremophor RH40 as an edge activator (EA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizer to enhance the drug permeation. Formulae were prepared by ethanol injection method following a Box-Behnken design in order to optimize the formulation variables (EA%, stabilizer %, and sonication time). To investigate the role of both cremophor RH40 and PVA, conventional MTX niosomes and MTX niosomes containing PVA only were fabricated. Drug entrapment efficiency percent (EE%), particle size (PS) analysis, zeta potential (ZP) measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were conducted to characterize the vesicles. Cell viability studies and ex vivo permeation experiments of the optimized formula were conducted. Lastly, in vivo skin deposition of MTX from both the optimized formula and MTX solution was performed in rats. Besides, histopathological changes in rat skin were assessed. The optimized MTX ultra-permeable niosomal formula demonstrated spherical morphology, with an EE% of 65.16% and a PS of 453.6nm. The optimized formula showed better physical stability in comparison with that of the same composition but lacking PVA. The cell viability studies verified the superior cytotoxicity of the optimized formula, and the ex vivo permeation studies revealed its ability to improve the drug permeation. The optimized formula demonstrated a significant deposition of MTX in rat dorsal skin, and histopathological evaluation confirmed the tolerability of the optimized formula in rats upon topical application. Accordingly, ultra-permeable noisomes, as a stable nanosystem, could be promising for effective delivery of MTX.

Preparation and in vitro performance evaluation of resveratrol for oral self-microemulsion.

The purpose of this study was to improve the solubility of resveratrol (Res) by a self-microemulsifying drug-delivery system (SMEDDS). Through a solubility experiment, the pseudoternary phase diagram and ternary phase diagram were used to optimize the Res SMEDDS formula. The optimum formulation consisted of 5% IPM, 20% PEG400, and 65% Cremophor RH40. The water solubility, stability, in vitro release and antioxidant activity of the Res SMEDDS were characterized. The Res solubility in the SMEDDS was at least 1,000 times compared to that in water. The average droplet size of the microemulsion was 28.00±1.67 nm and uniform distribution. The Res SMEDDS should be stored at low temperature and in the dark to avoid light conditions. Res SMEDDS was able to improve the in vitro release rate of Res, and the in vitro release of Res from Res SMEDDS was significantly faster that of Res powder and unaffected by pH value of media. Antioxidant assays showed that antioxidant activities of Res in Res SMEDDS were unaffected compared to Res powder. Cytotoxicity study indicated that Res SMEDDS at the concentration of less than 100 μM was safe. These results demonstrated the potential use of Res SMEDDS for oral administration of Res.

Development and Evaluation of Poorly Water-Soluble Celecoxib as Solid Dispersions Containing Nonionic Surfactants Using Fluidized-Bed Granulation.

The purpose of this study is to develop a solid dispersion system with improved dissolution, absorption, and patient compliance of poorly water-soluble celecoxib (CXB). Instead of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), an anionic surfactant used in the marketed product (Celebrex®), solubilization was performed using non-ionic surfactants with low toxicity. Cremophor RH40 (Cre-RH) was selected as the optimal solubilizer. Granules and tablets containing CXB and Cre-RH were prepared via fluid-bed and tableting processes, respectively. The morphology, crystallinity, flowability, dissolution, and pharmacokinetics for CXB-solid dispersion granules (SDGs) and the hardness and friability for CXB-solid dispersion tablets (SDTs) were evaluated. The solubility of CXB was found to be increased by about 717-fold when using Cre-RH. The dissolution of granules containing Cre-RH was found to be increased greatly compared with CXB API and Celebrex® (66.9% versus 2.3% and 37.2% at 120 min). The improvement of the dissolution was confirmed to be the same as that of granules in tablets. The CXB formulation resulted in 4.6- and 4.9-fold higher AUCinf and Cmax of CXB compared with those of an oral dose of CXB powder in rats. In short, these data suggest that the solid dispersion based on Cre-RH—a non-toxic solubilizer, non-ionic surfactant— may be an effective formulation for CXB to enhance its oral bioavailability and safety.

Development of curcumin floating beads with low density materials and solubilizers

Curcumin floating beads with low density materials including polypropylene foam powder, oils and various solubilizers were developed to prolong gastroretention and improve typically insufficient curcumin release, thus providing possible utilization for peptic ulcer treatment. They were prepared by ionotropic gelation and characterized for physical properties, floating properties and drug release. The results revealed that immediately floating beads with prolonged floatation could be successfully prepared using 1% w/w of foam powder. Floating properties and curcumin release were further improved by adding low density oils and solubilizers. Using G-rich alginate as a bead forming polymer provided slower curcumin release than using M-rich alginate. Freeze-drying yielded floating beads with a lower density and more highly porous structure, leading to higher curcumin release compared to oven-drying. The optimum formulation consisted of 1% w/w foam powder, 10% w/w peppermint oil, 10% w/w Cremophor RH40 and 10% w/w ethanol. This study demonstrated robust alginate floating systems with low density materials and solubilizers are promising carriers for stomach-targeted delivery of curcumin.